I hate the feeling

[Noggin]

Hello. I've just tried my first pedelec and hated the way the motor made me go faster and faster. I'm looking for a bike which will assist me when I ask for it but let me go slow if I wish, not something that will leave me feeling hurried and out of control. I wasn't sure that a throttle would allow me that. Am I wrong?

Btw I need the bike to also fold and not be too heavy as I'll have to lift it in and out of the back seat of my car. Does my ideal bike exist?

 

[flecc]

What make and model did you try Noggin? Their control systems vary considerably in their effects, so knowing which you disliked will help us advise.

 

[JohnCade]

Perhaps a torque sensor bike might suit you better. Although the bike you tried may have been set to max assist and that can be turned down.

 

[Noggin]

I tried an A2B Kuo. What I really didn't like was the sense that I was going faster and faster.

 

[Wander]

Have a look at the GoCycle. It has a torque sensor so reacts to pedaling but you can also 'boost' it if required. It also dismantles to go in the car.

 

[Noggin]

Oh, and I had the setting on lowest.

 

[Noggin]

Would a Gocycle allow me to go at an even, steady speed even if that was quite slow?

 

[Wander]

Would a Gocycle allow me to go at an even, steady speed even if that was quite slow?

Yep! You can even custom set the power levels with a phone App.

 

[Noggin]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll look into it although I know they are expensive.

 

[4bound]

I have a Kalkhoff which has a torque sensor and I find it does exactly what you describe without any problem. I have just returned from a 45 mile trip which started with 10 miles very flat but then was extremely hilly climbing from sea level to 1500 ft. On the initial flat section I turned the power off altogether and the bike rode very well. As and when it became steeper, or windier I turned the power on to one of its four power settings. I always felt in control of the speed and felt it gave me as much assistance as it needed. Never felt hurried or out of control. Don't give up on pedelecs because of your one bad experience, find a better one!

 

[Noggin]

Thanks for the encouragement. I assume the A2B may have a cadence sensor then? Or just an over-enthusiastic torque sensor perhaps.

 

[Kuorider]

Your reaction is quite normal when first trying an assisted bike, the opposite is when users come on here and remark that their bike seems very heavy to pedal with power off, it's just that it takes a bit of time to get used to the feeling of pedalling with the wind behind you all the time which a motor gives. The Kuo is one of the best folders available so persevere and you will be soon looking for more power as you become familiar with the 'feel.' I have had mine for a year now and it has been excellent. Try pedalling along in top gear at a steady pace and allow time to get the feel of the system. The only thing I have done with mine in the way of mods is to fit one of Dave's 11/30 freewheels to give a lower cadence in top gear and easier hill climbing. However try different bikes until you find one which 'fits'.

 

[flecc]

Thanks for the encouragement. I assume the A2B may have a cadence sensor then? Or just an over-enthusiastic torque sensor perhaps.

The A2B bikes have always tended to be quite high performing motor biased e-bikes, so that might be a part of what you experienced.

However, I agree with Kuorider, your impression is common to many trying a e-bike for the first time, so it's best to persist since full control is possible on that bike.

A torque sensor could well suit you better, but there aren't many folders with one.
.

 

[Kuorider]

Hi,again, The Kuo is a torque sensor and at first I found it a bit strange and actually posted on here when considering changing it to a Pas but soon discarded that idea. The bike on level ground hardly needs any power as it rides more like a full size bike thus the feeling of being rushed along at first. In fact if you are a fit cyclist you will find a slightly odd feeling on the cranks as you out- power the motor particularly when climbing an easy slope. It has an 'eager' feel probably due to it's light weight, this can be a bit disconcerting at first but you soon become accustomed to this. It takes a bit of playing around with the power and gear setting to get it to suit. As standard it is under geared ,changing to the 11/30 freewheel really does transform the bike giving a nice easy cadence at just under the speed cut off. Start by pedalling off with no power, change up and by 4th gear select power 1 when rolling along ,this will give you a good starting point for power use. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[Noggin]

Thank you Kuorider. That sounds interesting. I think my experience of not having ridden a bike in about 15 years and then actually starting off in a built up area was a bad mix. I am aware that I really want to be in control when in traffic so perhaps using the bike on 'neutral' in town might suit me whilst still having the boost for open path riding or hills. Is that possible?

 

[trex]

look at the woosh Sport TS that uses torque sensor - it's on special offer at the moment. They sold out the black ones, only white TSes are left. Personally, I find the TS looks better in white than in black.

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?sport-ts

You have to keep pedalling, you put in about 10%-30% of the energy required, the bike does the rest. Easy and pleasant bike.

 

[Noggin]

Thanks for the suggestion but I need a light folding bike I'm afraid.

 

[flecc]

Might be worth having a look at the Kudos Secret model too. I don't know what it's like to ride but there's a review by Electric Bike magazine on this page of their web site. Peter Eland who carried out that review is a highly experienced unpowered cyclist and editor of Velovision and Electric Bike magazines.

Note his comment on enlarging the chainring in the review summary.
.

 

[trex]

Thanks for the suggestion but I need a light folding bike I'm afraid.

the zephyr-cdn is pleasant to ride and light.
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?zephyr-cdn

 

[Kuorider]

Hi, The bike Trex mentions above is not a folder so may not fit your requirement. Woosh do folders so if you are near enough a trip for a demo is possible. They also enjoy a good reputation. On the Kuo '0' power setting the throttle works alone. You can ride normally and just add a touch of power with the throttle. I would recommend anyone on their first electric bike takes it to a park or quiet place and just buzz about until you get the feel of the thing. The Kuo benefits from the addition of an elastomer steering damper (from Rose Bikes). Again I would get demos if possible. Some folders due to their geometry do not ride particularly well. In my limited experience the only two which do are the Swift Xootr and the Kuo. The Xootr http://www.xootr.com/folding-bicycle-8-speed.html is non electric, a kit is available but expensive, however other kits will fit easily. I am a bit biased as I have one of each. Take your time and do some research, the Kuo is a £1k bike and it shows .